Hello my name is Liz and I am going to show you how to use your inhaler.
The information I am going to give you is a quick guide.
You should keep and read the instruction leaflet that comes with your inhaler.
First I’m going to show you a few important points about your inhaler.
Then I will talk you through how to use it and then I will show you how to use it.
At the end we will talk about how you clean and store your inhaler.
How you know when it is empty and when to reorder another.
What to do if you take too much or miss a dose and what to do if you are going to the
hospital or clinic.
It is important to take your inhalers regularly.
Some inhalers are given to prevent flare ups and can take days or more to work.
When you get a new inhaler check the expiry date on the inhaler and if expired take it
back to the pharmacy.
Once you have checked the date, open up the inhaler box.
Open the foil and dispose of the wrapping and any drying agents in the bin.
When you get your inhaler write on the label, 6 months from when you opened it because
it expires after this.
Here you have the dust cover.
When you open this it exposes the mouth piece.
Here we have air vents.
You should make sure you don’t obstruct them with your fingers or clothing.
At the front you have a dose counter.
You should take your inhalers at the same time every day.
They can be taken with or without food.
It is best to stand or sit upright and you should keep your head in a neutral position.
I am going to talk you through how to use your inhaler and then I will show you.
To use the inhaler open the dust cap fully until it clicks.
Breathe out, but not into the inhaler.
Then you will breathe in hard and fast.
When you do breathe in you will hear the device click and that lets you know you have taken
the dose.
When you breathe in, continue to breathe in and hold your breath for a count of 5 to 10.
I will show you from start to finish.
EXHALES SLOWLY
INHALES QUICKLY
EXHALES SLOWLY
If you have to take another puff close the device and repeat. So.
EXHALES SLOWLY
INHALES QUICKLY
EXHALES SLOWLY
To clean the inhaler take a clean dry tissue and wipe the mouth piece
and close over the dust cap.
After you have used the inhaler rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth to prevent
voice hoarseness and mild mouth infections.
You should store your inhaler away from direct sunlight, frost or moisture.
You should keep it somewhere where you will remember to take it.
If you forget to take your inhaler, then take it if you remember within an hour or 2.
If it is more than this, miss a dose and get back on track with the next dose.
If you take too much of your inhaler, then contact a health professional for advice.
You will know when your inhaler needs to be replaced by the dose counter.
It will count from 120 downwards.
When it gets to 10 order another inhaler.
Do not over order inhalers as drugs can expire.
If you are going to the hospital or clinic, take your inhalers with you along with a repeat prescription.